King pays tribute to Irish Guards

Soldiers from the Irish Guards hold the new colours, including the Regimental Colour

The King has paid tribute to the "professionalism, courage and humour" of the Irish Guards ahead of the regiment's central role in Trooping the Colour on Saturday.

King Charles' words of praise came as he presented new colours to Number 9 and 12 companies, Irish Guards, during a Windsor Castle ceremony.

He highlighted the regiment's efforts during the pandemic and "vital work to counter terrorism in Iraq and to bolster security across Africa".

"In recent years, the regiment has continued to serve with immense distinction,” he continued.

Soldiers from the Irish Guards holds the new colours in front of King Charles III

During the ceremony in Windsor Castle's quadrangle, the King, who is the regiment's Colonel-in-Chief, said it had served with "immense distinction".

"Around the world, your achievements include vital work to counter terrorism in Iraq and to bolster security across Africa by providing high-quality training teams to work with local forces," he said.

"At home, you played an indispensable role in assisting the civil authorities during the Covid pandemic and, only last year, training Ukrainian forces to enable them to defend their homeland."

He added: "In all of this, you bring to your duty a blend of professionalism, courage and humour which has always marked out Irish Guardsmen."

King Charles III delivers a speech during a ceremony at Windsor Castle for the Irish Guards.

The King also touched the new flags - the King's Colour and the Regimental Colour - signalling their special status as the "soul of the regiment".

They were consecrated by Army chaplain Gen Rev Michael Parker.

The King's Colour will be trooped by Number 9 company on Saturday.

King Charles III, presents new colours to No 9 and No 12 Company of the Irish Guards